Insights & Resources
Our Fertility Blog
Explore expert tips, research, and real guidance from the naturopathic doctors at Conceive Health — all focused on supporting your fertility journey, naturally.
Natural Cycle Monitoring at Home
Cycle monitoring is a process that follows the development of the ovarian follicles. This can be used to determine the health of a menstrual cycle and as a tool in preconception and fertility care. During the COVID-19 pandemic when we may not have access to conventional diagnostic cycle monitoring with ultrasound and bloodwork, we can […]
Should You Worry About Pesticides & Fertility?
Before the 1940s all foods could have been considered “organic,” but since the 1950s the amount of pesticides used agriculturally has more than tripled. These pesticides are found in our fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy and fish. There are two main categories of pesticides: Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) (polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), and brominated […]
Is Your Thyroid Health Impacting Your Fertility?
Your thyroid gland is a butterfly shaped organ that sits at the base of the neck. It is part of the body’s hormone system, called the hypothalamus pituitary axis (HPA Axis), or simplistically the endocrine system. The thyroid makes two main hormones: triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). When these two hormone levels are low in […]
Can Healthy Fats Boost Your Fertility?
Healthy fats are extremely important for a fertility diet. Why? Not only for the nutrients fat provides, but for its effect on hormones. However, it is a bit of a “Goldilocks” situation, where we need a certain balance and too much or too little (known as dyslipidemia) can get us into trouble. “What is dyslipidemia […]
Should You Try to Conceive During COVID-19?
As of writing (March 23, 2020) this is what we know. More information comes to light as the global situation evolves, and the team at Conceive Health will continue to share it with you. Currently, the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology recommends actively avoiding pregnancy at this time. However, the American, British, and Canadian […]
Improving Fertility with Acupuncture
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture is known for its therapeutic effects in fertility, and it is widely used as an adjunctive therapy during Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) — ranging from preconception to fertility treatment support. Specifically, acupuncture is used during an IVF cycle, IUI cycle, Oocyte Retrieval, Timed Intercourse, Frozen Embryo Transfers, and overall […]
Holiday Healthy Recipe: Almond Gingerbread Cookies
Need a healthy holiday recipe without sacrificing taste? When you’re following a fertility boosting diet, the holidays can be a challenge. Conceive Health’s Dr. Rachel has your back. The smell of delicious gingerbread cookies during the holiday season warms my heart! There are also a number of health benefits, as long as the sugar […]
WHAT IS “LEAN” PCOS?
Not all PCOS cases are the same. A significant number of women I see in my office fit a description of something called “Lean PCOS.” In fact between 20-50% of women who fall into the PCOS category are normal weight or considered “thin” (Nestler 1997). These women have what we would consider a “normal” BMI […]
How Your Home Impacts Male Fertility – And What To Do About It
If you’ve had fertility on your mind – you may have heard of EDC’s (or Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals). But what the heck are they and what do you need to know about them? ECDs can play a big role in fertility – especially when it comes to men. Dr.Cara MacMullin, ND from Conceive Health @ […]
Preparing for IUI or IVF with Naturopathic Medicine
We know that taking the next step on your fertility journey can be a hard decision to make. It may feel scary, frustrating, tiresome, never-ending and any other number of emotions – but you’ve overcome them and are moving forward. And we’re here to support you every step. If you’re heading into IUI or IVF […]
The Story of My Ectopic Pregnancy
On the morning of May 9, 2015, I found out I was pregnant. I had just returned from a lush vacation in Turks & Caicos basking in the sun with my husband. I had had my IUD removed a few weeks prior and had no intention of conceiving, however, I ovulated extremely early and did. […]
How Cosmetics & Cleaning Products Can Impact Your Fertility
Your household items are affecting your hormones. Plastics, fragrances, lotions, pesticides — through your skin, air, and food — and science is showing us undeniable proof of the connection. Read on to find out what to do about it. What are Endocrine Disruptors? Hormones send messages around the body by acting like a “lock and […]